There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, homemade Cottage Pie straight from the oven. This easy Cottage Pie recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and a golden, cheesy mozzarella crust. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Cottage Pie

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb ground beef (fatty)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
2-3 tbsp water or tomato juice (to prevent dryness)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 pinch coconut sugar (to balance the flavors)
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

2 lbs (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper to taste
For a creamier mashed potato topping, you can add 1/4 cup milk or the water used to cook the potatoes while mashing, depending on your preference for a richer or lighter texture.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, draining any excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste, then add 2-3 tbsp of water or tomato juice to loosen the mixture.
Season with smoked paprika, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add the peas, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain and mash with butter, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and smooth them out.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Let the Cottage Pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!

Pro Tips for the Best Cottage Pie

✔ Keep the Beef Juicy – Don’t overcook the ground beef; leaving some fat adds moisture and prevents dryness. If needed, add 2-3 tbsp of water or tomato juice when mixing in the tomato paste.

✔ Balance the Flavors – A pinch of coconut sugar and smoked paprika enhances the savory depth without overpowering the dish.

✔ Perfect Mashed Potatoes – Skip the milk for a firmer texture, or add a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess. Mash until smooth for the best topping.

✔ Get That Golden Cheese Crust – Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and flavor. For extra crispiness, mix in parmesan or breadcrumbs before baking.

✔ Make It Ahead – Assemble the Cottage Pie in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for meal prep!

✔ Broil for a Crispy Finish – After baking, broil for 2-3 minutes to get golden-brown cheese topping.

Variations & Substitutions

🔹 Vegetarian Cottage Pie – Swap ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute for a meat-free version.

🔹 Dairy-Free Option – Replace butter with olive oil in the mashed potatoes and use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese topping altogether.

🔹 Gluten-Free – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on store-bought ingredients like tomato paste.

🔹 Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for some heat.

🔹 Low-Carb Version – Swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower to reduce carbs.

🔹 Extra Crunchy Topping – Mix panko breadcrumbs with mozzarella for a crispy crust.

Serving Suggestions

🍽 Pair with a Fresh Side – Serve with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttered green beans.

🥖 Add a Crunchy Element – A side of crusty bread or garlic toast.

🫙 Drizzle with Gravy or Sauce – A light beef gravy, a spoonful of Hot Sauce Adjika, or a dollop of sour cream can enhance the flavors even more.

Storage & Reheating Tips

📦 Refrigerate Leftovers – Store any leftover Cottage Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

❄️ Freeze for Later – To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

🔥 Reheat in the Oven – For the best results, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

⚡ Quick Microwave Reheat – Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

Wholesome Coconut Milk Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Love this Homemade Cottage Pie? Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! 🍽️ Share your thoughts in the comments below—did you add your own twist?

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